Support local artisans at Made by Hand art show and sale
By LOIS KINDLE
Twenty local artisans will show and sell their creations for area residents to do some early holiday shopping at the Firehouse Cultural Center Nov. 17.
“Our first-ever Made by Hand art show and sale will feature the work of artisans and fine crafters in the South Shore area,” said silversmith Kate Hamilton, of Ruskin, who co-organized the event with her neighbor and fellow artist Dee Hood.
“We were talking one day about the limited places (there are in the area) to show really nice crafts, and we came up with the idea of inviting other local artisans to have a show and sale,” Hood said. “When we approached the Firehouse Cultural Center about it, its staff was very enthusiastic and wanted to support local artists, so they offered us the space for a pre-Christmas sale.”
The event will feature works of glass, fabric, jewelry, pottery, mixed media, 3-D art, acrylic painting, drawing, rustic wooden furniture, lamps and children’s books by local author David Lillis, of Parrish. Carol Hubbell will sell her famed home-baked pies and cakes.
The International Mobile Kitchen food truck will be on hand, selling its five different kinds of cuisine.
Hamilton said Made by Hand was inspired by the former South Shore Gallery in Apollo Beach, where many local artists used to gather and sell their work and by a holiday open house her friend Virginia Spalter held at her Apollo Beach home and studio a couple of years ago.
“The open house was quite successful, and other artisans in the area expressed an interest in our doing something similar,” she said.
With the help of Spalter, Sandy Doran and Linda Smith, Hamilton and Hood met over a couple of weekends to paint banners and signage promoting the show.
“I think people will be pleasantly surprised by the high caliber of work coming out of this area,” said Hood, faculty emerita of the Ringling College of Art and Design. “All the work is handcrafted and original. It will include items for children, women and men.
“We hope this show provides a new venue for artisans and a place for the local community to come and support them,” she continued. “If the show is well received, we would love to do it again in the future.”
Beth Stein, Firehouse Cultural Center events coordinator, said it’s an honor to host Made by Hand and support local artists who live by their talents.
“I think it’s a wonderful way for people to explore facets of art they may be unfamiliar with. Our South Shore area is rich with artisans who have yet to be discovered, and we hope this event will be well attended. There will be items for the everyday buyer, as well as the collector.”
The Firehouse Cultural Center is at 101 First Ave. N.E., Ruskin. For more information, call 813-645-7651.
IF YOU GO
Who: Twenty local artisans and fine crafters
What: Made by Hand art show and sale
Where: Firehouse Cultural Center, 101 First Ave. N.E., Ruskin
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 17
Admission: Free. Food for sale by International Mobile Kitchen food truck
Information: Call 813- 645-7651